Sarah Barney

Sarah (she/her) is the creator and lead farmer behind Among the Oaks Herb Farm. "Originally from Central Kentucky, I've come to find home in the Appalachian hills. I'm inspired by the dense forests of the region, the many creatures whom I share this land with and a commitment to making positive change in my community. The farm was born out of a desire to help folks connect with plants on a deeper level and to create supportive, land-based employment for myself and others.

Before starting the farm, I was a research ecologist studying insects and birds in a diversity of environments. I've worked on a variety of farms, as a farmworker or researcher, including squash in Kentucky, coffee farms in Mexico, almond orchards in California and diversified farmsteads in Ecuador and Peru. As a farmer, I apply my experience as an ecologist by managing the farm in a way that utilizes the natural cycles of the earth rather than fighting against them."

Alex Petit

Alex (she/her) has been involved in many aspects of Among the Oaks since 2021 – everything from sowing seeds and harvesting to blending teas and dreaming about our future. She is also the manager of our farmers market booth at the Red River Gorge!

"A simple story of who I am is that I left the military, plant medicine found me and my life started anew. Everyday is a practice of coming home and discovering different tools that help me remember how. I’m fond of having experiences, citizen science and small dogs."

Reena Martin

Reena (she/her) joined us in 2024 as the manager of our Lexington Farmers Market booth.

"While I didn't spend much time growing up on a farm, I did spend 120% of my time outdoors — camping, swimming, hiking, wandering, exploring and discovering the natural world. After high school I became deeply immersed in sustainability and environmental sciences at Berea College. Taking these courses within the agriculture and natural resources program allowed me to also spend time learning about sustainable agriculture, local food systems and even beekeeping. Once I graduated, I spent the next 10 years working in local non-profits that incorporated horticulture in innovative ways like indoor aquaponics and nature-based healing for survivors of intimate partner abuse. Now I spend my days learning as much as I can about plants and their countless benefits while also slinging delicious Among the Oaks teas at the Lexington Farmers Market. You can also find me at my "day job" as Fayette County's newest extension agent for horticulture. Hope to see you around!

JB Pitts

JB (he/they) joined us in 2025 as both an apothecary assistant and an intern on the farm.
"I started my plant journey as a practice of realizing Right Relationship to the many places I've made home, while continuing to honor and remember my familial roots in Appalachian Kentucky. Previous roles as a naturalist educator and food systems researcher have led me to believe that any day I can inspire joy and allow someone to rest is a successful one. I love fluffy creatures, flowing water, live music, and a good excuse to gather in community."

Jess Billings

Jess (they/them) also joined us in 2025 as our booth manager at the Knoxville Farmers Market.

"I was brought up in a small town nestled in the Bitterroot valley, Southwest Montana. By a family of foresters, loggers, homesteaders, trappers and plant enthusiasts. So it came as no surprise that I inherited the “green thumb” with a natural pull towards land stewardship. My particular interests are in restoring biodiversity and cultivating regenerative agriculture/permaculture through ethnobotany. I enjoy learning and implementing the long-standing knowledge of indigenous folks and people of color who have a deep relationship with Turtle Island. My learning approach is community-based. Educating myself through local workshops and seminars, volunteer work, mentorships/workshares, online and physical resources by Indigenous/ POC, and of course, the greatest teacher, Mother Earth."

“When we share our gifts, we foster a culture of reciprocity that nourishes our community and the earth.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer